Monday, 1/13/14 - Sunday, 1/19/14

Monday – Today was P-day and we stopped by Teressa’s because she asked us if we would be able to take a couple movies to the library. So we chatted with her for a bit about different things then headed to the library to email. Emailed and then went shopping. Played some basketball as well which was fun. I was on fire for some reason. Ate at the Thomas’ for dinner. The Bailey’s were there and we also taught a lesson to Brother Thomas. Went pretty good. Went to see Devonte to reschedule with him for tomorrow. After that we headed home to figure out everything about zone training tomorrow and are excited about it.

Tuesday – Today we had zone training so we headed to Niceville to set up. We also role played some stuff with the 2^nd Ward Elders. Zone training seemed to go really well. I had fun teaching it. Then we went on an exchange with the Destin Elders. I went to Destin with Elder Simmons and Elder Miller went up to Crestview with Elder Evans. It was fun to be back with Elder Simmons after our days in the Pensacola Zone. He is a great guy and very outgoing. Talked to a lot of people! Went and saw a gator named Ernie and he gave me a sweet photo he took of the Destin sunset that looked like Christ in the clouds. Then went to see the Garcia’s and taught them a great little lesson. Went out with Brother Hoffer and went to Subway. While we were eating a cop walked in and said to leave because the building next door was on fire. So we did and watched from a distance expecting to see a show, but didn’t even see any smoke. They had 3 fire trucks and the chief and nothing happened. So we went with Brother Hoffer to see the Chapman’s to teach them. Ended up just teaching Mary for the most part. She said she will come to church. At one point her nephew ran down the stairs complaining about Mary’s daughter and I sarcastically told him to hit her back. It was pretty funny but I forgot kids don’t understand sarcasm. Then he ended up doing it and I felt really bad.

Wednesday – Today was a good day. Started off taking a ladies dog on a walk for some service. Elder Simmons and I walked him to the Destin Beach which was interesting. Really pretty beach too! Found out that you aren’t supposed to have dogs on the beach so we headed back to do the exchange report and to also have some lunch. Did a bit of role plays when my companion got back then headed to Niceville. I stayed in Niceville with Elder Brewington and Elder Swenson went up to Crestview with Elder Evans. Good exchange! Elder Brewington and I had a good day. We went to see Brother Howell and helped him put some pictures on LDS Planet. He wants to get married again. His wife passed a few years back. Also stopped and played some ball with a bunch of kids and gave them a pass along card. Met Brother Raider who was really cool. Then biked to Daryl’s who is a gator and walked to Sister Golden’s with him, Ate dinner there and had a lesson. Sister Golden was a boss! She is cool! Works on planes in the Air Force. I never would have guessed. Had basketball night planned but no one showed.

Thursday – Today was kind of an interesting day. First Elder Brewington and I did the exchange report and then did some interesting role plays with Elder Swenson and Elder Brewington. Then Elder Evans and I did our weekly planning in Niceville. I have never done weekly planning in another companionships apartment before that. It took a bit longer because it wasn’t home and they also came down a few times to ask us some questions. After we got our weekly planning done we headed to Fort Walton to do a baptismal interview for the 2^nd Ward Elders down there. It was for John Gorham and he is a great guy. I am really excited for him. Then we headed back to Crestview to eat with the Wirt’s. Had some delicious pulled pork. Then headed to the Wyatt’s for a lesson with Brother Wyatt which went pretty well. I love the Wyatt’s! That about finished our day.

Friday – Today I had to fix my bike. I had 2 flats and my chain and gears needed to be cleaned. That took forever! We also finished up our weekly planning. Then we biked all the way down to the Barbecho’s. We went to see Jamie but Ben was home so she just left like she always does. So we taught Ben and his brother, Juan, about the restoration. That lesson went well. Ben really needs to solidify his testimony a lot more though but he is doing pretty good. That went long so we biked back to our car to meet Brother Cochran so he could pick us up for dinner. Got a bloody nose randomly. Ate dinner at the Cochran’s and the homemade bread is always great! Then we had volleyball to finish the night. Got home after and made all our calls.

Saturday – Had the usual meeting with President Miller. Ate at Ryan’s with him. Then went home to do our studies and had lunch. Got to teach Theresa and Ariel with Brother Fisher. Found out I have been spelling Theresa’s name wrong all this time. That was a really fun lesson. I really love teaching them. We went and taught about studying so they can have better studies. Also went and taught Brian Anderson and he found some interesting anti material to read so that was interesting. Biked to a couple places that didn’t work out and talked to a guy named Lloyd who seemed pretty interested. Also talked to a high/drunk guy which was interesting. He texted us and asked for 20 bucks. Had an awesome lesson at the Bissen’s. Andy is kind of losing his desire though. Then we went home to finish up our night.

Sunday! – Started off going to see Alonzo. He was heading to work. Chatted for a bit. Then headed to a few other places that didn’t work unfortunately. Talked to a really confused girl and then ate lunch. Ate in the church parking lot which was interesting. Then had church. That was fun. Brother Cochran gave a really good talk. Elders Quorum ended early, 20 minutes early which was a first for me. Went to teach Lloyd after church but that fell through. Went to see Johnny but he was busy cooking. We were going to tract but got a call from the Fort Walton Sisters and they told us Sister McKenzie wrecked on her bike so we called her to see if all was well. I couldn’t help but laugh when she told us she clipped a garbage can and flew over her handlebars. She told us President and the assistants laughed. Ate at the Peterson’s which was fun. They are awesome! Then went to the Nunley’s and taught their family the POS. Sarah brought her friend who is also named Sarah. It was awesome! Also right after church the Sisters called because they forgot their jacket that had keys in it. Brother Burbidge was going to take it to them but he checked the pockets…no keys. Brother Burbidge said, “Cast thy hands in the other coat.” They did and found the keys. They had them the whole time.

Monday, 1/6/14 - Sunday, 1/12/14

Monday – Today we got a call from Teressa in the morning because she has an interview in Marianna and needed a ride. We are excited that she has an interview. Then we did the normal P-day things of emailing, shopping and cleaning. We also washed and vacuumed the car because it got really dirty driving through Defuniak Springs. We also went to Subway because they are having “JanuANY” this month. Then played some “goalie” and some basketball with Elder Elmer and Elder Burnham. That was awesome. Then we had Brother Cockrell come out with us and everything we went to fell through. Then went to Teressa and Ariel’s with Brother Boyd. That was a good lesson. They are awesome! Then headed home to let the missionaries in the zone know about how many miles they will have.

Tuesday – Today we headed down to Niceville to meet the Niceville Elders and drive down to the Destin District Meeting. It was a different style of district meeting but Elder Simmons is very knowledgeable. Had some lunch at Chick-fil-A which was needed. It’s a pretty good restaurant. Headed back here to see Teressa because she called us and said she “didn’t want to do it” anymore. She didn’t want to meet or anything anymore. So I bore testimony and we went by ASAP! It went well when we went by. She has had so much great member support. Ate a quick dinner and then went to meet up with President Smith for the evening. Mostly everything with him fell through but we did get to give a couple blessings which was great. Gave Sister McKenzie one and Brother Harter also. I also got to talk to President briefly which was much needed. Great day overall. Also had to stay up to figure out what building has working heat for MLC tomorrow.

Wednesday – Today we had MLC first thing and it was a bit of chaos because we had to do it in a different building. We went down to Fort Walton because our building didn’t have working heat. It was a really fun and very spiritual meeting. Our total for baptisms last year was 324 and we set a goal this year for 373 and a stretch goal of 444. Our mission theme this year is going to be “Missionaries of Uncommon Valor”. It was good to chat a bit with Elder Winter and see how he has been doing. I also go to update him on what’s going on in the area. We then came home and saw Austin briefly to remind him of our appointment Friday. Had dinner with the Boyd’s and then coordination. We are going to have a member missionary training center next Wednesday. Should be great!

Thursday – Today we had our day of weekly planning that went well. Also taught Teressa and Ariel about tasting because we hadn’t taught Ariel that yet. Went over the baptismal interview questions which went well. They are ready! Had another lesson with a guy name Trey but that fell through. Began our trade-off with the Defuniak Elders. Elder Larsen came to Crestview with me and Elder Evans went to Defuniak with Elder Rasmussen. Elder Larsen and I headed to our dinner appointment with the Tatro’s which was fun! They are a really great family. They have some energetic kids. Then taught Johnny a really powerful lesson. The spirit was go strong and was enlightening Johnny’s mind when we asked questions. It was so awesome!

Friday – Today Elder Larsen and I continued our exchange. First thing we prepped for a church tour and made sure there would be hot water for the baptism tomorrow. Then we went to visit a bunch of people but no one was available. We did meet a guy named Devonte who was pretty nice and we gave him a Book of Mormon. We will see him next week. Ate lunch. Went out to try to see Jamie and ended up meeting Ben’s brother, Juan. Gave him a BOM and taught him a bit about it. Then went to Teressa and Ariel’s to do the baptismal interviews. Forgot the forms so Elder Elmer could sign them because he did them. So we drove around to the 2^nd Ward Elders house and then to the church to get the baptism records. We got them and they both passed the interviews. Then went to Austin’s which fell through. Did the exchange report then headed to Defuniak to trade back. Had a lesson with Andy. Lost our phone and couldn’t find it anywhere. Played volleyball. Tried calling our phone. Called the Bissen’s. not anywhere. Prayed and the 2^nd Ward Elders showed up and told us the Bissen’s had it. Went there and they had found it outside by calling it over and over.

Saturday – Today our first plan was Teressa and Ariel’s baptisms! It was such a great service. They had all sorts of Ward support. Bishop Parker baptized both of them. They will be great members of the church. The spirit was really strong and Teressa even bore her testimony at the end. It was so cool! After the baptism we had an unexpected lesson with Brian Anderson. He is having a hard time wrapping his head around authority but the spirit will help him. Went home and ate and did some zone stuff which took forever. Then taught Angie which went good. We read with them. Ate at Krystals which wasn’t that good, kinda lame actually. Then we taught Johnny which we think went pretty well. Also taught the Asble’s, a less active. That was interesting because when we walked in their 13 year old granddaughter, McKenzie, told me I was cute so that was odd. Gave her a Book of Mormon and during one part of our visit she turned on the ceiling fan/light because she was hot and Brother Asble said, “you sure you didn’t want to just see a bit better,” referring to her “cute” comment. It was so funny. Then she called me adorable when we were leaving. Strange visit there. That was about it for the night.

Sunday – Today was a pretty good day. We started the day by going to Ward Council. Took a long time. Came home for our studies and lunch. Headed out to go to Johnny’s so he could follow us to church. I really felt strongly that he would come this time but he wasn’t even at his house. It was really sad. Headed to church where Teressa and Ariel were confirmed members of the church and given the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Devon Brown did that ordinance and it was powerful. Teressa said she felt the same feeling she felt when we gave her a blessing. She said it was like a pressure within her chest. It was so cool! Cody Wells, one of the priests, came with us to teach Andy. It went well. Bishop after church challenged him to be able to go to the next temple trip. So we taught about temples and priesthood. Also taught Brian again. We are just trying to get him to ask God questions. He won’t ask so that is holding him back. Then we headed home to plan zone training.

Monday, 12/30/13 - Sunday 1/5/14

Monday – Today was a pretty good day. Did the usual. Played ball and unfortunately Elder Burnham hurt his knee. He has a torn ACL from before his mission and he just buckled his knee. He is doing good though. Taught Andy a really good lesson with Brother Burbidge. Brother Burbidge was a boss. He can teach! Then had a lesson with Teressa with Brother and Sister Boyd. It was a fantastic lesson. Teressa is so cool and she told us that she gets tired every time we leave which is cool because the spirit is tiring to be around. Got to know Teressa really well too! It was awesome! She also bore her testimony about the change she has had. It was a fun day.

Tuesday – Today has been a pretty fun day. We went down to Fort Walton to split up and go to both District Meetings. They are in the same building so it works well. I went to the 2^nd Ward District Meeting and Elder Evans went to the 1^st Ward’s. 2^nd Ward’s was good! Elder DeGroff is a good district leader and his district meetings are fun. After that Elder Schwartz and I went up to Crestview while Elder Evans stayed in Fort Walton for our exchange. He was with Elder Anderson. It was an interesting day for Elder Schwartz and I. We had most of our appointments fall through and spent most of the day in the ghetto. In the evening we got to go to the Steele’s and eat with them which was fun. We were going to do a scripture study but didn’t have enough time. Talked with them about scripture study though. They really want to get it going in their family. Then we went to the Anderson’s and they were easting so we chatted a bit and then had to go in early due to it being New Year’s Eve. Happy New Year ladies and gents. Here comes 2014! Brian is out of jail.

Wednesday – Started off going to teach Alonzo and he wasn’t at the park so we didn’t get to and most of the other people that were going to come to the Elder’s Quorum activity didn’t. We were going to play “ultimate football” which is a mix of ultimate Frisbee and football. Didn’t because only Brother Climer and Brother Kriser showed up. So we played 2 on 2 Ultimate Frisbee. Elder Schwartz and I dominated! Then took Elder Schwartz back to Fort Walton and began another exchange. Had 1 with the 2^nd Ward and Elder DeGroff came with me to Crestview while Elder Evans went with Elder Sorrell. Elder DeGroff and I went all the way to Laurel Hill for a baptismal interview. I interviewed Destiny Miller and she is ready for sure. Finally left there and had a couple things fall through but ran into Justin the 2^nd Ward gator. Chatted for a bit and then had some lunch. Went and taught Brian a lesson on the Word of Wisdom. Got out of jail so we taught him and Alicia. Then we went to the Anderson’s to teach Brian Anderson and that went well. Hopefully cleared up some concerns. Ate at the Nunley’s and that was awesome! They are so cool. We were laughing and joking the whole time. They are a fantastic family! Then we taught Andy a lesson and he seems to be progressing very slowly. I feel he is getting there though. He will get baptized some day when he musters up enough faith. Then Elder DeGroff and I headed home for the night. Andy also did a really good Forrest Gump impression and we learned that Forrest Gump is one of his favorite movies.

Thursday – Today we headed down to Fort Walton again to trade back with the Fort Walton 2^nd Ward Elders. Did some role plays before heading home to have lunch and then began some weekly planning and figuring out miles and all that good stuff. Then headed off to see Manny who told us he has been thinking about calling off our meetings. We talked to him a bit and he told us he would pray about it. Also had a lesson with Teressa and Brother Burton came along. Brother Burton was perfect because we taught Follow the Prophet and Brother Burton has met President Monson. He met him before he was the prophet but it was a perfect story. Then we headed to the Crestview 2^nd Ward Elder’s place to begin our exchange with them. I will go to their ward with Elder Elmer and Elder Burnham will go to our area. Should be sweet!

Friday – Today Elder Elmer and I had a pretty good day. Listened to a sweet gospel CD by Alan Jackson called “Precious Memories’. It is all Christ centered songs. Music has really helped me lately. Singing and listening to songs about Christ are pushing me forward. Had a fun day with Elder Elmer even though a lot of things fell through. We got to teach Marty Humphrey’s a really good lesson about Christ and the Book of Mormon. He also has a really cool beard. Had a good dinner with the Newell’s. They are really nice but have an interesting teaching style for their children. We also played volleyball and it was really fun this time. It is always fun but we had more people which made it way better. Then we traded back and went to our own areas.

Saturday – Today we had breakfast with President Miller as usual. Had our studies and did a leadership exchange report with the 2^nd Ward Elders because we didn’t have enough time after our exchange. Then we went to see President Hill, former Stake President. He bore his testimony and it was pretty powerful and he said he would be at church tomorrow. Went and taught Angie which was very interesting. We will just say there are some interesting peeps in her complex. Then we went to the Anderson’s and that was different. Brian just started editing Monopoly into a religious game so we helped and then played a bit. Then had dinner for my first time at the Clonts’ home. It was a good time. Sister Clonts is from Russia which is pretty cool. Stopped by to see Johnny and he was sleeping in the living room and he looked really uncomfortable. Went to Hardee’s to see if Alonzo was working. He wasn’t so we went to his place and got to talk and share a little message. Wow, he is going through a tough time.

Sunday – The first thing we did today now that Church is at 1:00 is we taught Teressa and Ariel. It was a great lesson. We talked to them about being baptized the 11^th instead of the 18^th and they want to so we are really excited! Elder Evans also drove past Sister Leifson and Sister Shattuck as they were walking and honked and scared them so bad. It was so funny! Had church and it was so awesome! I had a bad week and it was really what I needed and as I was listening to the hymns and reading “Savior, Redeemer of My Soul” the spirit came over me telling me all was well. Same thing happened during the testimonies that were born. I thought about getting up but had a prompting that said “just listen” and it was powerful. Took the sacrament to Brother Brandt, the 102 year old! Also took it to Sister Bodeman. Tracted a bit and ate at the Taylor’s which was awesome. They are the coolest family! Then went to see Johnny to teach him but ended up setting up an appointment for Tuesday.

Monday, 12/23/13 - Sunday, 12/29/13

Monday – Today was a great P-day! Did the usual email and shopping. Also went to Brother Golson’s and he taught us how to make bracelets out of 50/50 cord, also called parachute cord. They are really cool! Brother Golson is really cool as well. Then we went to Twin Hill Park and watched some guys play a really bad game of basketball. Wish we could have played but we aren’t supposed to play full court. Headed to the church to play. I rejammed my left ring finger. Had an awesome dinner with the Nelson’s. They are planning on moving to Utah. Probably Kaysville area. Then headed to the Nimmo’s to drop in on them and give them the Joy to the World DVD and taught them a bit. They are so cool! Dropped by the Okwu/Brown home because Sister Okwu asked us to. She gave us some little gifts. This ward is so awesome! So many members reaching out to us all the time! Brother Lawson that was in the Tally 4^th Ward walked in while we were finishing playing ball. It was so cool to see him.

Tuesday – Today we had District Meeting and cool thing was that the Ward Mission Leader for the 2^nd Ward brought a guy named Justin and we got to teach him during District Meeting. It was sweet! Then met Clark and set an appointment for tomorrow. Headed to the Thatcher’s for lunch which was really fun. It was so funny. Their son Isaiah told me I was ugly. Then when sharing the message we were on the couch jklm. I was in spot 1, spot 2 was empty, Lexi was in spot 3 and Elder Evans was in 4. I asked Isaiah if he wanted to sit next to Lexi and he was all sad and said, “No, I want to sit next to you.” I replied with, “I’m right here.” Then he said, “Oh” and sat down and started laughing. Also helped Donna today and made a ton of progress. Met her daughter Grace, who is really cool. Then went to the Parker’s house and got in their car with Bishop and Jimmy to pick up Teressa and Ariel. Had dinner with them and a ton of Bishop’s family. Read 3 Nephi 1 and Luke 2. The spirit was so strong! So much fun!

Wednesday – Christmas! Today was great! Ate breakfast at the Bailey’s with all the missionaries. Before that we opened our gifts. We were so blessed with so many gifts. The ward was really great and so were my family! We went to the Bissen’s and read Luke 2 with them. Not sure what to think about Andy and where he is at. Gave Josie a blessing as well. She was feeling sick. I feel bad when babies get sick. Headed to the Wadas’ to Skype after that and that was awesome! Talked to Mom, Sean, Zach and my mom also invited Todd and Aaron over. That was so fun to talk to all of them. Went to Teressa and Ariel’s after we ate with the Wadas! Such good food! Had a traditional Christmas dinner. Taught Teressa and Ariel a powerful lesson on scriptures, prayer and Sabbath day. Also saw Jamie and moved a slab of granite for her. Also saw Jacob Lawson and Zanna Lawson that were in the Tally 4^th Ward. Talked with them and got a picture. I miss them. Also called my dad which was really good. He has changed a lot. It’s good to see that in him. Merry Christmas!

Thursday – Today we ended up having a really long but good weekly planning session. We had to set a goal for the baptisms in the zone next year. We set the goal of 46 for the zone next year. That was an awesome experience to pray and feel the spirit confirm that. Tried to see the Higgins but that didn’t work so we went to see Brother Barbaree (less active). We walked up to his house and he was lurking around checking out our car and everything. He was in his truck and drove around his lawn and everything. Nice guy though. Ate with the Boyd’s at Azteca. It was pretty good. Then had coordination which went really well. Then we went to CVS so I could get some melatonin. Elder Steed who is the mission nurse told me to get it because I have been even more tired than usual lately. We also stopped by to see the Steele’s who are a potential gator. Didn’t work out unfortunately.

Friday – Today we started off going to see Alonzo but he wasn’t home. We ended up talking to Tiffany, his girlfriend. She is really nice and really talkative. Then went to see Amanda who fell through. Felt prompted to knock on her neighbor’s door and met Dorothy. She was nice but not interested so we planted a seed. Put a DVD on a Spanish lady’s porch and then went to see Mallory King. He was in a good mood today so we taught about pride and read a talk by President Benson called “Beware of Pride”. Shane White fell through and so did Michelle and so did Clark and Tristan. Ate lunch. Taught Teressa and Ariel with Sister Okwu. It went well! Lovin’ teaching them! Sister Okwu was awesome! Saw Austin for a brief moment and invited him to volleyball. Tried to see Chuck, didn’t work. Talked to a cool guy name Pat. He was really nice. Not really interested. Jamison boys fell through and the Rogers and Rico. Talked to a lady named Tiffany about family history. Then ate with the Anderson’s. It was pretty good. Taught a pretty good lesson. Then had volleyball an Austin was there which was great! Came home to plan and make calls.

Saturday – Today we had the usual breakfast with President Miller at Ryan’s. After that we took the Nelson’s and the Burbidge children and it went pretty well. Then we stayed there for the Clont’s daughter’s baptism which was good and interesting because we basically had a bit of dodge ball in the cultural hall with all the little kiddos. It was quite fun. Taught Alonzo which was really good because we hadn’t seen him for a while. He is going through some tough stuff. Had lunch and studies. Then went out and saw Angie and the Jamison boys. Ran from the car to different houses over and over in the rain. We got soaked but the process met the less active Marden’s. Then we taught Johnny with Brother Burbidge. Went pretty well and Brother Burbidge also took us to Chill, frozen yogurt place. During breakfast we got on the topic of homosexuals which led to President Miller telling us of a quote he heard. It was “Duck Dynasty” and he said, “a vagina is a lot more pleasing to look at than an anus.” It threw us off so bad.

Sunday – Today was such a great day at church. Brother and Sister Rowan both spoke and they were wonderful! I even took some notes! They are so awesome and I had forgot that Sister Rowan was a convert of about 4 years. We had Teressa there and another gator name Alonzo came as well. Ariel, Teressa’s daughter, is in Orlando going to Disney World. Johnny told us he would come to the other ward so we waited but he stood us up. Had lunch then taught Teressa at 2:30. Her and Sister Okwu were outside in Sister Okwu’s car just talking for 2 hours. It was awesome! Teressa had her water heater stop working so Brother & Sister Fisher stopped by and Brother Fisher fixed it. Brother Blum came with so we had a ton of members with her today. Taught the Jamison kids and Caitlin was there and we got to say Hi, and she is going through a lot. Walked home way fast to go eat at the Haines. They are so cool! Taught Andy and then Skyped his friend Brady. Andy seems to be pushing away baptism a lot. Just keeps doubting it. Our faith can’t dwindle! I love Andy!

Monday, 12/16/13 - Sunday, 12/22/13

Monday – P-day today! It wasn’t a very exciting P-day. We didn’t get to play basketball because stuff took too long. We did get to eat at the Thomas’ and shared a message with Sister Thomas. Unfortunately Brother Thomas wasn’t feeling well so he didn’t stay for the message. Then Brother Kriser came out with us to the Barbecho’s which fell through. But he came to see Mallory King with him. Mallory has always found something new to hold him back and this time it was not having a cemetery at every LDS chapel. He straight up just denies the enabling power of the Atonement as well. So sad! He is a less active member who is like 83 years old.

Tuesday – Today was our half mission conference and it was really fun! We had some messages by President Smith that were powerful. Then had people singing and playing different songs about Christ. We have some talented missionaries here in the FTM. Then had some lunch provided by the Stake. Sister McArthur from the Fox Run Ward was there so it was awesome to see her. The conference was actually in the Fox Run Chapel and that brought back some good memories. We also had a stocking exchange between all the missionaries. District Leaders were suppose to have a creative way to introduce their districts. Only 3 of them did something and 2 of them were from our zone and that was awesome! We helped clean up for a while after then headed back to eat with the Climer’s. That was fun. First time I have eaten with them. Went with Brother McKenzie after that to Johnny’s. That fell through so we ended up teaching Ben Barbecho about the Plan of Salvation a bit. That kind of confused him a bit but it was good. That finished the night.

Wednesday – Today we started off the day figuring out the exchanges for the transfer and when we would go on them. Got a call from the 2nd Ward Elders, they needed a ride home while their car was being worked on. Then we went to teach Jamie, but she pawned us off on Ben who was cleaning up the back yard a bit and throwing away the leaves. We were able to get him to come out to see Teressa and Ariel later. Went to see Tom Hughes who used to study with the missionaries. His ex-wife was LDS as well. He also had a quad set of scrips that I saw but he didn’t want us to come back. Then we went to see Austin which fell through. So we walked up to Brother White’s. In the process, ran into Caitlin who met the other Elders finally. She is going through a rough time right now. Taught Teressa and Ariel with Ben and it was perfect! Ben taught so well! Ate with the Bissen’s and Andy committed to talk to his brother. Food was awesome too! Had a little message with the Prazzo’s about Christ and the meaning of Christmas. Finished the night with coordination. Also talked a bit with Sister Edington, Brother Harter’s mom.

Thursday – Today we had to recreate the forms we use for weekly planning because our revised version sucked. Then had our lunch and weekly planning. We were actually able to finish our weekly planning in just one day this week. Then we went to the Woodring’s for a quick message. Robert has been having a hard time kicking the chew habit but he is trying to do it. Went to see Manny as well and he is planning on quitting his smoking which was great news! Read some of the Book of Mormon with him. He understands it so well. Hopefully it will get him to desire to change. Then we taught Bryan and Brother Wadas came out with us. He did a really good job too. He taught all about the restoration. The spirit was so strong! Bryan is very skeptical about our message though. He thinks that the Book of Mormon is just the Bible with different names. We read a verse from the Book of Mormon and he said that exact verse was in the Bible. It isn’t though because I checked. After that we went with Brother Wadas to give Brother Harter a blessing. That went great. Brother Wadas gave a powerful blessing. Then we met the assistants at our place for our exchange.

Friday – Today we had our exchange with the assistants. We blitzed our area as usual. I went with Elder McPhearson and Elder Evans went with Elder Wright. It was a really great day! Elder McPhearson and I were teaching all day. We found a new investigator named Shane and set up a time to see him in a week. Also taught Anna which was interesting. She was almost flirting with us or something. It was weird. She is a middle-aged woman and that has never happened with her. A lady also came out of the store near our apartment while we were walking by to give us one of the Bibles that we hand out. She found it at a yard sale. We also went to the Barbecho’s to see Jamie. Ben was leaving so we taught her outside for a while and raked the yard while teaching. Then we taught Ben when he got back. Ate and did the leadership exchange report. Elder Evans and I then went to drop off some cookies to a couple people. Brother McKenzie and his wife do it. We just ring the doorbell and run. Then Elder Evans and I ended up seeing Austin briefly before coming in.

Saturday – Today we had our meeting at Ryan’s with President Miller. Then we helped Brother Boyd move a couple logs. One was estimated at about 800 pounds and the other at about 600 pounds. It was pretty fun to do. Those logs had nothing on us. Then we stopped by the office at our apartments and picked up a ton of mail that has been sent to our old apartment. So it was a great mail day. Got packages from my dad then later some from my mom. I also got one from JC Penney that didn’t have a name so I don’t know who sent it. All day we had plan after plan fall through which was sad. We did get to go to Cracker Barrel to eat because we won a drawing for turning our miles in on time. Met a cool lady named Lesa, pronounced Lisa. She was really nice! She worked at Cracker Barrel and had been married to a member. She knew quite a bit. After that we went to Jamie’s to teach her even though she canceled. She is a hard one to figure out. Always cancels but says she wants to learn. Brother Boyd was there with us as well and we headed to Johnny’s with him ‘cause she said come back. Taught him a good lesson. Went back to Jamie’s and she blew us off again. She said tomorrow and that ended the night.  

Sunday – Today was good because we got Teressa and Ariel to church and Bryan also went to the 2^nd Ward. Then we had some less-actives there as well. Brother Haines came and the Steele’s and also Latrell Higgins came. Pretty great! Sacrament was interesting though. Kind of a boring one. The rest of church was good. We taught a member family named the Tatro’s with Brother Wanner. They hadn’t been able to come to church for awhile so we just wanted to check on them. That was good. They should be back soon. Then we ate with the Taylor’s and had some great bonding moments. Brother Taylor also told us a crazy story about a companion he had on his mission that went out and hired a prostitute! What an idiot! Then we went and made cookies at the Bissen’s and read Luke 2. Didn’t quite finish because we had to run to Teressa and Ariel’s. Taught them about the Plan of Salvation. Devon Brown came and it was powerful. A ton of members also gave us gifts for Christmas which was way cool!

Monday, 12/9/13 - Sunday, 12/15/13

Monday – Today was P-day and the day we find out about transfers for sure. President accidentally told us most of it the other day so we weren’t too surprised about it. We will both be staying. We are also getting a second set of Sisters to add to the Bailey’s, Sisters and us. Tons of missionaries here! Also played basketball with 2^nd Ward again which was really fun. I didn’t do as well but it was still a blast! Weird thing happened. We went to print out the transfer at our apartment clubhouse. The chick that cut my hair walked in to use the exercise room. I had to double take to figure out who she was. Ate a quick dinner after printing that out. Then headed over to teach Teressa and her daughter, Ariel. It was such a powerful lesson. The spirit was so strong! Had to teach out on the porch because we had no man but she was fine with that. Also had a lesson with the Anderson’s, the part-member family that recently moved in. Brian, the non-member, made a few sarcastic remarks during the lesson unfortunately, but we aren’t going to lose the faith! Elder Evans also pooped his pants today…ha ha!

Tuesday – Today we had our district activity which was good. The Bailey’s made breakfast as usual. Then we had District Meeting which was good. Got to take the District on a church tour which was good. Went home for a little companionship study and then headed to Jamie’s which fell through J. She rescheduled for tomorrow. So we handed out a Spanish BOM to a couple who we didn’t think spoke English. We thought a less active lived there but it was a non-member that fed Elder Winter and Elder Locken. We also figured out transfers and had a really good talk with Sister Tatro. She is a really awesome lady. Went to see a lady that lives next to Johnny and he was out working on something, so we stopped by to talk a bit. Stopped by to see the Thomas’ and teach Brother Thomas a bit. He might come to the Ward Christmas Party which would be awesome. They gave us some pie. Then ate at the Nimmo’s and got to discuss some of their reservations for not coming to church and I think that was really good.

Wednesday – Today our first plan was transfers so we all gathered at the Wendy’s and we ordered 41 #1 combos which is the usual. Then we helped the new Sisters take their bikes to their apartment and give them some phone numbers. Transfers was way smooth. We then were canceled on by Jamie so we went tracting with Elder Smith who is heading home and was with us for the time being. Met one really cook guy. Then we say Johnny later that day after the 2^nd transfer which was really small. Taught Angie as well which was good, but she is having some struggles especially with the pain from her 14 hernias. One is 15 cm around! Taught Caitlin as well. She is so prepared. We will have to hand her over to 2^nd Ward. Her mom has cancer and we had to leave because she had to run her to the hospital. Also go to teach the Prazzo’s which went really well. Got to know them really well. They’re really cool. Brother Prazzo was laughing so hard about lying to his wife about exercising his legs today. He struggles walking because he had a brain infection in the past. It was funny! Then we had coordination with our army of missionaries.

Thursday – Today we tried to weekly plan but a bunch of zone stuff got in the way but that is okay. We did get a little bit a weekly planning done. Went to teach a guy named Douglas but that fell through so we went to see Jamie with Brother Kriser. It went pretty well. Brother Kriser came in his police cruiser and he drove us like 100 feet in it. We were going to walk to Jamie’s but he came by and picked us up. So we got in the back which was interesting. Jamie was really confused too because he was in uniform so she was like, what the heck?  Also did some service for Ben and Jamie after our lesson. Had dinner with the Parker’s which is always fun. While eating we discussed ways to excite the ward. Taught the Woodring’s, first read with Devin and Daryl and then taught Robert and Maribel a lesson when they got home. Brother McKensie came to Johnny’s which fell through so we hopped in Brother McKensie’s car to see the Haines. Brother Haines wasn’t home but we did get to talk with Sister Haines and she really needed it. She is so cool. I decided I want to marry and islander from Fiji or Barbados or somewhere sweet! End of night!

Friday – Started off the day continuing our service with Donna. We never get as much done as we should because she doesn’t really plan anything out. But it was still pretty good and we got to talk a bit about Joseph Smith. Then we came home to try and finish our weekly planning. Still have more of it to do. Ate at the Cochran’s which was good. Had delicious Stromboli! After that we tried to see Johnny. That appointment fell through. So we went to see if Teressa and Ariel were home. They were so we shared a message with them. They have been prepared and are so ready for the gospel! They plan on church and on the Christmas party tomorrow. Then we went home to plan and make our calls to the zone. We didn’t have any more of the papers that we put all the names on each Friday so we had to make some really quick on the computer in our clubhouse. We were able to get that and all the names done somehow. It was an interesting night.

Saturday – Today we had our usual breakfast at Ryan’s with President Miller. Then we taught the Anderson’s. That actually went really well. Bryan has an interest in finding out if the church is true. We played with their dog who is named Tucker. Pretty sweet! He isn’t a beagle, he is some sort of mix. Then we went to find Alicia, formerly known as Alisha, Brian’s girlfriend. We found her and taught her a bit. We think she gave us a fake phone #. Then we ran into the Reynolds/Jamison kids and Caitlin. We also met their mom for the first time officially. They told us they’d see us at the Christmas party. We also hurried over to Johnny’s to remind him and he said he wants to come. Then he also told us something really funny. We were talking about the feeling one might have when meeting their spouse and Johnny said he never had that and then said sarcastically, “I had that when I met my mother-in-law.” It was so funny. After that we met Sister Okwu at Teressa and Ariel’s and she drove Ariel to the Christmas party. We got her, the Anderson’s, Jamison boys, Cailey, and Andy to it. It was really fun! That finished our night. Overall success of a party!

Sunday – Today was a great day! Had church and we had our Christmas program. We got sucked into singing in the choir and people said it sounded good. The program was pretty awesome. Andy came to church and so did the Anderson’s. Had a really good conversation with Andy after church. He is about to skyrocket! After church we taught Teressa and Ariel, read with them. Set a baptismal date which was exciting! They have a ton of faith! Teressa has such a sound understanding of the scriptures. Did our studies and what not then saw Austin and set up an appointment with him. Ate at the Cockrell’s which was delicious. They are really cool people. Then went to teach Andy. We had a really good lesson with him and he really seems sincere about baptism. I hope he really pushes for it! He is such an awesome guy and I really love him. I love all of the Bissen’s! Andy also told me I look a lot like his brother after Brother Burbidge was saying Andy and I look alike.

Monday, 12/2/13 - Sunday, 12/8/13

Monday – Today was a good P-day. Had some great emails from friends and family. Got some sweet sunglasses. Got a haircut by a girl that was really pretty and that was kind of strange. She was my age and I am pretty sure she was being flirtatious a bit. I stayed in great missionary mode though. I also had another confirmation from her that deep fried turkey is the way to go. Beat the 2^nd Ward Elders at basketball again. It is always a good time. Planned a bit for the Zone Conference call on Thursday. Then had dinner with Brother Burbidge and Landon because the rest of the family had places to go. Main thing I learned there was not to answer the phone on my honeymoon. Whatever it is can wait. Then took a detour to the Steele’s who want to come back to church. We are going to start studying with them to help them learn better and have more effective studies.

Tuesday – Today we had to go to Fort Walton to the 2^nd Ward District Meeting. Then had a great exchange with Elder Sorrell coming to Crestview with me and Elder Evans and Elder DeGroff stayed in Fort Walton. Came back to do service for the Lawrence’s and we ate MRE’s for lunch with Brother Lawrence. Cleaned up for them a bit as a thank you for all they did for us. Went home to do some training. Then we taught Brother Thomas and that was awesome! Sister Thomas bore some really strong testimony about the church. Ate a great bit of turkey pot pie at the Taylor’s. It was so good! I keep joking with Sister Taylor that when I get married that my wife has to learn how to cook from her. She said she’d teach her how to shop instead. Taught Johnny as well and he is doing well. I really feel he is going to start progressing! Then had a short lesson with Jamie. Her grandfather passed away but she seems to be doing okay. She said it hasn’t sunk in. Taught a bit about the spirit world. Elder Sorrell is a great new missionary. He is 24 and is a convert of 2 years and is dyslexic. Such a cool story!

Wednesday – Today we went to Fort Walton to trade back with the 2^nd Ward Elders. Then Elder Evans and I ate a quick lunch and then went to see Donna for some service and it was raining so hard for most of it. A guy named David was there and he knows a bit about our church. Seems kind of open to it. So we worked on Donna’s walkway. We have been prepping it for concrete. Hopefully we can get it all finished soon. Then we got changed and went on a split. Devin Brown and I went to see the Reynold’s Family which wasn’t as awesome as anticipated. It was good though. We got to introduce the Book of Mormon. Elder Evans went to Manny’s with Brother Wanner which they said was awesome. Had dinner and coordination with the Boyd’s and then we tried to see Ryan. Didn’t work so we prepped for our Zone Conference call.

Thursday – Today we had our Zone Conference call. It went really well. Talked about unity in our work and we really feel it will help. Also did some weekly planning but didn’t get to finish. Had to go out to see Austin and unfortunately he wasn’t home. We did get to see Josh and talk to him about a Family Home Evening. He wants to do one at his house some time. Then we met Brother Wanner at Manny’s for a lesson. Manny is so cool and I really feel like he is changing and opening up his heart to the restored gospel. Went over really quick to the Woodring’s which was fun. They are really funny. Wish they would get to church though. It has been a really long time. Had a good little lesson though and I think they will be back soon. Then went and had some pie with Johnny. He insisted so we had some and shared a message while eating some pie. Headed home after that to meet the assistants for our exchange with them.

Friday – Today we had our exchange with the assistants. Elder Wright went with me and Elder Rhoades went with Elder Evans. We did some good role plays before going out to teach. Then Elder Wright and I went out and had a very unexpected day. First headed to see Alonzo but while on the way Billy Ray called us over so we went in and shared a little message. He then proceeded to joke around a bit too physically. He punched Elder Wright in the shoulder and grabbed my collar and accidentally pinched my throat. Also met a guy named Clint who seemed really excited about our message. Alonzo wasn’t home. So we headed back and met a really nice lady named Mamie who lives right under us. Ran into JT who is Alonzo’s cousin and met Deacon Seal and John who were really nice. Came home to do the exchange report. Then we had an awesome dinner at the Wadas. They told us about how they want to stuff their dog when it dies. Really funny conversation! Then had volleyball and got to see the Nimmos there. Sam cracks me up! Plus he is way athletic. We plan to see them Tuesday.

Saturday – Today was kind of strange. We did a lot of our weekly planning that we didn’t finish. Then we got to see Austin briefly before going to the McKenzie’s to help them out with “doorbell ditching” some people and leaving behind cookies. Did it to a few members. Jamie Barbecho, Ben’s wife, called us asking if they were from us. It was good to do. It got people asking questions. Then we had dinner with the Miller’s. TJ brought two of his friends. Devon was one of them and while we were teaching he said he wanted to come to church. That was cool and I think he has a lot of potential. Then we saw Johnny briefly and taught him about how he is going to finally be able to get to church. He said he would try to. Hope he does. He always has an excuse. That’s about all that happened.

Sunday – Started off with Ward Council and told Brother Burbidge that his quote made our quote of the week. He told us when he got home from his mission and when he was dating that he “just kissed girls”. That made the quote of the week! Funny guy! Had church which was pretty good. I taught a very unprepared lesson. After church we went to see the Reynolds’ and met Caitlin their babysitter and taught her a bit and the kids, Austin, Ryan and Kaden. Played around with the kids a bit and invited them to the Christmas Devotional. Then taught Andy with Brother Taylor which went pretty well. Wasn’t as good as it could have been. Andy read the 1^st chapter in 1 Nephi and was telling me all about it. It was really cool! Also taught Jamie with Brother Taylor. Ben too! Gave Lilly a blessing and Jamie seems more sincere now, more than ever. Then the Taylor’s invited us to eat there which was awesome! We had some good quotes from them too. Brother Taylor said we need to just “talk to the ladies” when we get home. Sister Taylor then responded with “only the pretty ones”. Man it was funny! Went to the devotional! Caitlin and the boys were there! We took them on a tour as well. It was awesome. Then went to set up an appointment with Teressa.

Monday, 11/25/13 - Sunday, 12/1/13

Monday – Today was our P-day and we played basketball with the 2^nd Ward Elders. We won 2 out of the 3 games against them. Did our usual shopping and what not. Got some awesome birthday emails. I am very thankful for that. Ate dinner and then we planned for our zone training. That took up the remainder of our night. Got ready for our exchange tomorrow with the Destin Elders as well.

Tuesday – Today we headed to Niceville for our zone training which went pretty well. Could have gone better but we covered a lot of material. Unfortunately a couple missionaries didn’t really buy in to a couple ideas, but I guess not everyone will always agree. I am excited particularly to begin doing more church tours. After zone training we had an exchange with the Destin Elders. I went to Destin with Elder Miller and Elder Smith and Elder Evans went to Crestview. Such a weird exchange. Started off helping the Niceville Sisters move a bed to the Destin Sister’s apartment. Elder Mills was there with the transfer van. He is the senior missionary over cars and apartments. The reason why we helped was because Sister Rick will be going to Destin and Sister Doriswami is going back to the Temple Square Mission. Then Elder Mills gave us money so we ate at Firehouse with the Niceville Elders. They dropped us off and we studied and then had a dinner appointment. Delicious French toast and bacon. Then we basically did nothing. I kept trying to get something going but we ended up brain storming finding ideas. Weird day.

Wednesday – Today Elder Miller and I went to see a lady named Kelly Kelly. She left so we talked to her excommunicated husband about the anti she read. He still has a love for the church which is great. Interesting visit and exchange. Then my companion and Elder Smith picked us up and Elder Evans had got me Chick-fil-A for a late birthday gift. Awesome surprise! Headed back to our area. Got back late and went to do service for Donna. It was pretty cold but it was good. Went to contact a less-active that had moved. Then went to dinner at the Lawrence’s. That was awesome! They had a part member family that they are friends with over at their house. Then we went to coordination at the Boyd’s. It seems like kind of a waste of time cause we just talk about what is going on but it doesn’t seem like it is going anywhere after we discuss it. Then we went and taught Angie Davis about our Savior just to have a fun lesson with her. The headed home.

Thursday – Thanksgiving! Awesome day! Started off with a “turkey bowl” and we were able to get Austin there. He really seemed to have a good time. I jammed my finger on a dropped touchdown reception. It seemed like a good throw too. I don’t know what happened. I did have 3 touchdowns and about 5 receptions total. Dropped 2 touchdowns and also had like 1 rushing yard. Highlight was that I caught the game winning touchdown. Then right after I caught it Brother Burton tackled me. I held on though. It was just a light tackle because we were playing flag football. Ate at the Peterson’s and they had 2 non-member couples there and that was awesome! They didn’t want to learn more yet. The other couple left too quick before we shared our message, but the other wasn’t interested. Went to the Taylor’s for dessert and shared a message with them. Then we had to go home and start weekly planning. Then exchanged with the Crestview 2^nd Ward. Elder Evans went to Crestview 2^nd with Elder Elmer and I stayed in our areas with Elder Burnham.

Friday – Today was interesting for an exchange. Elder Burnham and I went to see Alonzo and that fell through unfortunately. So we went home so we could do Elder Burnham’s training and eat lunch. Then we had service with the Anderson’s who just moved in a few weeks ago. We built a fence with them. Weird thing is that the 2^nd Ward Elders were there so we really didn’t split up because we did service together. It was suppose to be a lot quicker than it was but it was pretty fun. We did have to go to Lowe’s with Brian Anderson and help him carry some supplies. Then we tried to see the Woodring’s but they weren’t home. So we knocked on a couple doors and then went to dinner at the Thatcher’s. Then we had volleyball right after dinner. The Blum’s were there so I got to meet Brother Blum’s sister who is also my 2^nd cousin. That was pretty fun and then we came home to make calls.

Saturday – Today we had our usual breakfast with President Miller at Ryan’s. Then we headed to the church for our studies because at 10:00 Olive had a baptism. So we also went to that for a girl named Jordan Linsy. Great service and great step for her. Then we went home for the rest of our studies and to finish our weekly planning. Then we went and stopped by to see Austin and invite him to church. Taught him a bit as well. He is a good kid. It is funny though that he gets distracted so easy. His mind wanders a lot. Also talked to Mike, a crazy guy, and found out Brian is in jail. Hopefully we can find Alisha. Taught Ben and he is way solid. Nothing to worry about there. Taught the Nimmo’s as well about church and they really want to come. Also read with them. Samantha also made delicious turkey and dumpling soup. Everything else fell through.

Sunday – Today was fast and testimony meeting. Good testimonies. Brother White’s might have been the best when he mentioned some Led Zeppelin lyrics in his. Then right before Priesthood he brought up Queen. Great guy! Had choir practice. Got drug into that again so I guess we are stuck. Went to teach Alonzo with Devon but he was gone so we taught his girlfriend, Tiffany. Wow! She can talk! Then we tried to see a couple others that fell through. Met an awesome bunch of kids where Joanna used to live and talked to their dad who we taught and he wants us to come back Wednesday. The kids also gave me a Pokemon card so that was awesome. Ate at the Lawrence’s for the last time before they move. Delicious as always. I will miss them and Emma. Taught Andy with Brother Wadas who related to Andy really well. I think he broke down a wall or two, maybe 3. Then taught Johnny with Brother Lawrence who was the bomb! He broke down one of Johnny’s concerns about Christ not being the son of God. It was sweet! Great day! Also ran in to Ryan Bielel and taught a quick message.